October 19, 2021 -- Revelation 7:13-17 -- Are We Facing Tribution?

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
    and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
    the sun shall not strike them,
    nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
    and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation 7:13-17 ESV

The beloved disciple, John, has this vision. Gathered around the throne of the Lamb, Jesus, Who was slain and is now ruling as the Lion of Judah, the Conquering King, gathered before Him are all the saints. They have suffered great tribulation. Sometimes we think of tribulation as something specific. We might think unless someone is facing persecution, government inflicted, or imprisonments, then such a person is not suffering, really suffering tribulation. We missed the point if we think such are the only forms of tribulation or suffering. Tribulation literally means: great pressure, pressing together. As believers we are crushed by our circumstances so that we will be broken and beautiful in service to our King.

Believers must deny themselves daily. Lusts and desires must be thrown down and denied despite the pressures we feel to fulfil them. We know the temptation to bow down to our lusts and desires is a constant pressure.

Believers must stand against the world. Right now, more than ever, we are called to be faithful in our jobs and in our circle of friends. There are many pressures to deny our faith. There are peers who push against us, asking us to tone down our fanaticism for the King. Sure, be a Christian, but don't keep mentioning Jesus, as if that we possible for those who are captivated by His love.

Believers must stand against the weight of the devil’s constant temptations. When no one is looking are you faithful to Jesus, the King? Believers are wise to the world’s heretical philosophies and speak truth to power.

Believers are those who face such forces which flow against them every day and are not shaken, but whole-heartedly seek the strength of the LORD and bask in His great love as He supplies everything we need for godliness.

Faithful Father in heaven, blessed are You! Lamb of God, Jesus, Great and Glorious is Your victory over sin, death and hell. Spirit of the Living God, though we are pressured and afflicted in every way, we are not crushed. You, Spirit of Power, have been given to believers so that by Your presence we always put to death to the works of the flesh even as we always carry in us the life of Jesus. We offer up our lives to You, Triune God, as a living sacrifice. Be glorified among Your people so that by our word and witness, You draw many people to Yourself; people who then will join the surging and growing chorus of those who are sheltered in Your presence. Amen.

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